LOCAL

Rezoning for Apartment Project Draws Concern From Neighbors
Superintendent Undergoing Bypass in OKC
Housing Authority Director Says She’s Retiring
Nearly News
Seek Shelter Quickly When Strong Winds, Tornado Conditions Exist

Rezoning for Apartment Project Draws Concern From Neighbors

By JEFF POLITTE

News Staff Writer

Several Ponca City residents raised exception to the issuing of a special use permit for a 23-unit apartment complex for handicapped individuals proposed on a two-acre tract of land located north of the 1400 block of Queens Avenue during a planning commission meeting Thursday night.

Gorman Management Co., of Bartlesville, the project’s developer, is seeking a zoning change for that area to build a $1.2 million independent living facility, called Skyline Apartments, sponsored by Edwin Fair. That area is currently designated C-1, which allows for commercial use only. For the complex to qualify for construction in that area, according to city codes, it must be issued a special use permit.

Resident like David Thomas said he worried about runoff in an area that already has drainage problems. Others residents, like Mark Strange and Robert Monger, expressed their concerns about the developer’s definition of the word “handicapped,” in relation to the complex’ residents.

Planning commissioners voted 5-0 in favor of the request.

“This is a land use decision, not a decision on the clientele,” Henderson told the board. “Certain groups of people are in a protective class according to federal law, and the clients who will occupy these facilities certainly fall into that class.” To deny the zoning change on the basis of the nature of the clientele’s’ handicap, would involve discrimination.

Henderson also told residents the issue of drainage would be dealt with by the project’s engineers before the plat was approved. “This project will be engineered and will not contribute to the drainage problems that are already in that area,” he explained.

Thomas A. Gorman, president of Gorman Management Co., said the project, which will be funded through a grant from HUD, would consist of single story structures and include only residents of Kay County. “Our target area is Kay County and serving the needs of this county,” he said. He added that currently there are 90 to 120 eligible residents for this type of housing. The project would only satisfy less than one-half of the current need in the county.

Gorman noted his management company would be responsible for screening the residents before they were approved, which was a three-step process. The first step in this process is that applicants must fall under the income limit, which is 50 percent of the median income for Kay County. The second qualification is that they must have a mental illness. The third step involves a criminal screening by the Kay County Sheriff’s Office.

Board member Dave West, who also serves on the Ponca City Housing Authority, interjected that to get into any HUD housing, applicants must pass a criminal background check. “If they have any criminal record, they won’t be allowed into this housing,” he stressed.

A second item approved by planning commissioners at the meeting was the annexation of the planned 40-acre Fox Run Estates subdivision. The subdivision, to be developed by Evans and Associates Construction Company Inc., is expected to include 30 lots on property located across from Lew Wentz Municipal Golf Course.

“Our policy is to annex into the city limits any development that is going to tie into our utilities, such as water and sewer,” said Henderson. He added that the developer will be breaking ground soon, and that the project would “create buildable lots in Ponca City, something that Ponca City definitely has a shortage of.”

Superintendent Undergoing Bypass in OKC

Ponca City superintendent Dr. Bill White was to undergo quadruple bypass surgery this afternoon.

The surgery is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City.

According to Mary Ladd, school district public information officer, Dr. White was very busy last week and decided to have his blood pressure checked by the school nurse. “It was very high,” she said.

Ladd said his pressure was checked continuously last week and it remained high.

Dr. White went to a local doctor for an EKG and a non-stress test on Monday. The doctor sent him to Oklahoma City.

Ladd also said tests were run on Wednesday and four blockages to the heart were found. She also said there has been no heart damage.

A team of surgeons couldn’t get together to perform the operation until this afternoon.

Dr. John Scroggins, deputy superintendent, and Dr. Joe Surber, assistant superintendent of operations, are filling in for Dr. White in his absence.

Housing Authority Director Says She’s Retiring

Commissioners of the Ponca City Housing Authority accepted the retirement of the authority’s executive director Thursday morning during a regular meeting.

After 20 years of service to the housing authority, Sally Dennison told commissioners she was “ready to retire,” and that her last day would be April 30.

Dennison, who said she first starting thinking about retiring in December, has served as the housing authority’s executive director since 1994.

“I want to start doing the things I want to do,” Dennison said. Some of these things “to do” she listed as camping, painting and traveling.

After the vote, commissioners considered possible ways of filling the executive director’s position once Dennison is gone. One of the ways discussed was to use local advertising outlets and HUD Internet sites. The Ponca City Housing Authority is expected to meet on Monday to further consider these options.

A second item considered at the meeting was a resolution approving management assessment certification for fiscal year ending Dec. 31, which the board approved 3 to 2.

Commissioners also announced their individual goals for the future direction of the board.

Nearly News

Dennis McAuliffe, author of “Bloodland, A Family Story of Oil, Greed and Murder on the Osage Reservation,” will be signing books at Brace Books and More Saturday, 1-3 p.m. Thursday’s article about the book and signing had an incorrect date.

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A special “thank you” from Alice Bland goes to the person who found her check book and put it under the windshield wipers of her car a few days ago at the First Methodist Church parking lot. She didn’t realize that she had lost it until arriving back in town that afternoon. She feels fortunate that an honest person found it.

Seek Shelter Quickly When Strong Winds, Tornado Conditions Exist

Editor’s Note: The following information is part of a series of weather related safety articles provided by Tom Montgomery, Ponca City’s emergency manager, in recognition of National Tornado and Severe Weather Preparedness Week, which runs March 4-10.

Straight-line winds:

• These winds are responsible for most thunderstorm wind damage.

• Winds can exceed 100 mph.

• One type of straight-line wind, the downburst, can cause damage equivalent to a strong tornado.

Tornado safety tips:

• Tornadoes are natures most violent storms.

• Keep informed on changing weather conditions.

• Don’t leave a shelter to go to another one.

• If you are in a mobile home or car, seek other shelter immediately.

• Take shelter in a storm shelter. If one is not available, then take shelter in a basement, under a heavy bench, in a closet, bathroom or a small room. Try to get as many walls between you and the tornado as possible.

• A heavy coat, helmet, pillow or mattress will give you additional protection from flying debris.

• Take shelter in the lowest floor of a building.

• If caught outside, look for a ditch or culvert.

• Do not drive into heavy rain. It is as dangerous as driving into smoke. If you do stop, pull off the road as far as possible.

• Overpasses are NOT safe havens from tornadoes. Another problem with overpasses is drivers are stopping under them and blocking all lanes of traffic. You may also want to get off a controlled access road. Listen to a local radio station or purchase a portable NOAA radio.

Knowing the warning signals:

• The city’s outdoor warning sirens will sound when a wall cloud, funnel cloud or tornado is approaching Ponca City, or if toxic gasses have been released into the environment, flooding or for any other reason we need to get the attention of the city’s citizens. When you hear the sirens, turn on your radio or television for information relating to the nature of the emergency.

• NO siren will sound for an “all clear.” Instead, listen to your battery power radio for this information.

• The NOAA weather radio will turn on automatically when a watch or warning is issued. Weather forecasts and updates are also given over the radio.

• Local radio and television stations are excellent sources of weather related information.

• Equipment in the Emergency Operations Center has the capability to interrupt local cable and some radio stations.

• Emergency Management has a call pyramid to warn day cares, nursing homes and others.

For more information, or if you are interested in a program for your civic club or business, call Tom Montgomery at 767-0380.

DEATHS

Hazel Margaret Marie Patnode
Margurette Lear
Ed Zemp
Lola Mae Dillow
Obituaries
Carolyn Elizabeth Summers McClung

Hazel Margaret Marie Patnode

CLOQUET, Minn. — Hazel Margaret Marie Patnode, mother of Maureen Danielson of Ponca City, died Wednesday, March 7, 2001, in St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minn. She was 83.

The funeral will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 12, in Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Cloquet. Burial will be in New Calvary Cemetery in Cloquet under the direction of Northland Funeral Home in Cloquet, Minn.

Hazel Margaret Marie Patnode was born June 24, 1917, in Cloquet, Minn., the daughter of Erick and Clara Peterson Bloomquist. She was a resident of Cloquet most of her life. She married Maurice Patnode on July 7, 1936, in Cloquet. She was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella and a member of the St. Frances Circle, the VFW Auxiliary, Cooties and Tops 462. She was also a volunteer at the Cloquet Nursing Home.

Survivors include two daughters, Maureen Danielson of Ponca City and Judy McGuire of Mocksville, N.C.; a brother, Gerald Bloomquist of Harlingen, Texas; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband and a brother, Bill Bloomquist.

Margurette Lear

ANTHONY, Kan. — Margurette Lear, mother of Patty Koehler, died Thursday, March 8, 2001, in Wichita, Kan. She was 89.

The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, March 11, at the Williams Funeral Home in Anthony, Kan., with burial to follow in the Forest Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to service time Sunday.

Margurette Lear was born April 30, 1911, in Anthony, Kan., the daughter of John C. and Addie Hoath Patterson. She was a longtime resident of Anthony and a homemaker. She married George W. Lear on Nov. 9, 1929, in Medicine Lodge, Kan. She was a member of the Christian Church, Over the Hill Gang, Dorcus Group and Rebekah Lodge.

Survivors include two sons, H.D. Lear of Anthony, Kan., and Stanley Lear of Hutchinson, Kan.; two daughters, Patty Koehler of Ponca City and Aldean Young of Guthrie; a stepsister, Juanita Armstrong of Anthony; 14 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband on June 13, 1993, and a grandson.

Ed Zemp

PERRY — Ed Zemp, former resident of Ponca City, died Wednesday, March 7, 2001, in the Perry Memorial Hospital. He was 76.

The funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, March 10, 2001, at the First Christian Church in Perry with the Rev. Roy Fleshman officiating. Burial will be in the Billings Union Cemetery in Billings under the direction of Brown-Sisson Funeral Home of Perry.

Ed Zemp was born March 19, 1924, southwest of Morrison, the son of Henry and Sue Bamberger Zemp. He graduated from Perry High School. On May 8, 1982, he married Imogene Coker in Morrison. He was employed as a machinist at Conoco in Ponca City for nearly 30 years before his retirement. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Perry, where he was a member of the S&D Sunday school class, and a charter member of the Elks Lodge.

Survivors include his wife of the home; four daughters, Diane Beekman of Ponca City, Connie Dunagan of Wagoner, Sheila Conner of Ponca City and Janet Bales of Morrison; a son, Raymond Coker of Perry; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

Lola Mae Dillow

KAW CITY — Lola Mae Dillow, resident of Kaw City, died Thursday, March 8, 2001, in St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. She was 86.

The funeral will be held 10 a.m. Monday, March 12, in the chapel of Roberts Funeral Home with the Rev. Jerry Crenshaw of the First Christian Church of Braman officiating. Burial will follow in the Braman Cemetery.

Lola Mae Dillow was born Oct. 6, 1914, in Dripping Springs, Okla., the daughter of Tom and Maude Jewell Carnes Hinkle. As a young girl, her family moved to Sapulpa, where they lived until 1927, when they moved to Kaw City. She attended Kaw City schools.

Following her education, she married Merlin Andrew Dillow on April 14, 1934, in Newkirk, and they settled on a farm near Kaw City. In 1934, they moved to Elwood, Ind., where they lived for a year. In 1935, they returned to Kaw City. In 1942, they moved to Hunnewell, Kan., and farmed in the Braman area then moved to Braman and continued farming. Following her husband’s death on Sept. 14, 1998, she moved to Blackwell and then to Kaw City in 1999.

She enjoyed camping, reading, visiting and dancing. She was a member of the Braman Christian Church, the Moose Lodge 602, pitch party and rook club and the Coast to Coast Camping Club.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Casket bearers include Doug Dillow, Eddie Dillow, Kenny Dillow, Ron Pappan, Scott Phipps and Marvin Tanner. Honorary bearers include Derald Crow, Orvan Grell, Erv Holland, Zac Martin and Jim Sloan.

Obituaries

Carolyn Elizabeth Summers McClung

Carolyn Elizabeth Summers McClung, resident of Ponca City, died Thursday, March 8, 2001, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 57.

The funeral will be held graveside at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 10, 2001, at the Longwood Cemetery with the Rev. Ron Ledbetter, pastor of Sunset Baptist Church, officiating. Arrangements are with the Trout Funeral Home.

Carolyn Elizabeth was born June 17, 1943, in Ponca City to R.L. (Pete) and Doris (Gray) Summers. She graduated from Ponca City High School and attended Ponca City Business School. She married Robert McClung on May 29, 1968, in Ponca City. She loved to sing, play the piano and read. She also enjoyed her three dogs. She was a member of the Sunset Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Robert E. McClung of Ponca City; her father and stepmother, R.L. (Pete) and Beth Summers of Ponca City; one daughter, Annette Hunt and her husband John of Ponca City; one son, John McClung and his fiancee Karen Rivers of Ponca City; granddaughter, Hannah Hunt of Ponca City; one sister, Connie Westberg and her husband Lonny of Ponca City; mother-in-law, Imogene (McClung) Baker of Ponca City; one niece, Sandra Mills and her husband Steve of Ponca City; one great niece, Allyson Mills of Ponca City; one nephew, David Westberg and his wife Lisa of Ponca City; and great nephews, Eddie Westberg and Alex Westberg of Ponca City.

She was preceded in death by her mother and an infant son, Peter Franklin McClung.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601.

The family will be at the home of John and Annette Hunt, 109 Hillside Avenue, Ponca City.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

Pancake and Sausage Feed — The American Legion, 407 W. South Avenue, will hold its pancake and sausage feed from 6:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday. For $3.50 for adults and $2 for children under 12, participants can get all the pancakes they can eat; children under six are free. Proceeds benefit children and youth activities.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $8.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Warren Reavis Promoted — Major Warren Reavis, U.S. Army, was notified Thursday of his upcoming promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. Major Reavis was executive officers of 381st Replacement Battalion in Ponca City and is currently the commander of a NATO Customs Unit in Zagrebo, Croatia. He has taken a leave of absence from OSU in Stillwater for his command in Croatia. He is the husband of Elizabeth Richardson Reavis, and the son-in-law of Mrs. Glenda Richardson and the late Robert M. Richardson.

R&G Style Shoppe, Newkirk. Open Sunday 1 to 4. All Denim 20% off. adv.

Subject Held — A Ponca City police department booking officer reported a 25-year-old man was taken into custody on a city warrant for failure to appear at 11:39 a.m. Thursday.

Spring Village beauty, for sale by owner. Two miles east of Pioneer Woman Statue. Go east on Lake to Cascade Dr. and south to Spring Village. Four bedrooms, three full baths, gracious & livable 2,100 + sq. ft. Beautifully decorated. Lots of storage with builtins. Patio & decking in back. This home was featured on the Pond and Garden Tour. Has beautiful landscaped back yard with natural spring and cascading water with small creek in the far back. A must see! Open house: Sunday, March 11th - 2-4 pm. 7 Spring Village. Please call Dr. Harold Houk or Sheri Houk at 765-5814. adv.

Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv.

Fraud — A man came to the Ponca City Police Department, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, to report a case of fraud at 11:42 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

New! Dr. Atkins shakes, ready to drink, three great flavors. On sale now! Health World 320 East Central. adv.

Theft — A resident in the 400 block of West Cleveland Avenue reported a stolen bicycle to Ponca City police at 1:32 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. All day. 1217 East Prospect. adv.

Noni Juice and capsules are available at Health World 320 East Central. adv.

Reckless Driving — A caller advised Ponca City police of two vehicles being driven recklessly in the area of the North Ash Street and West Hartford Avenue intersection at 6:08 p.m. Thursday. Two officers responded to the area and a 29-year-old man was taken into custody for domestic assault and battery, and two woman were escorted to the police department.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Fraud — A sales associated at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported a case of refund fraud to Ponca City police at 4:18 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. A 21-year-old man was also taken into custody for obtaining money by fraud.

Kids Review now accepting children’s spring/summer con-signments. adv.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Monday 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West

Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Pauline’s Steak and shrimp dinner. $11.95. Friday, March 9th. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident three miles west of Ponca City on U.S. 60 was reported to Ponca City police at 6:26 p.m. Thursday. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was advised.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Triple T Quick Stop No. 5, 425 South Fourteenth Street, reported a $15.01 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 4:20 p.m. Thursday. A description was given of the vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Pauline’s Prime rib special, Saturday night, March 10th. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident at the intersection of North Fifth Street and East Overbrook Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 9:22 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of South Fourteenth Street and U.S. 60 reported a 29-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving under revocation at 11:34 p.m. Thursday.

Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Citgo Short Stop No. 4, 320 West Grand Avenue, reported a $10.01 gas drive-off to Ponca City police at 6:23 a.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Lost: Big yellow male tiger cat. Answers to the name of Tiger. Lost in Liberty School area.. 762-6743. adv.

RELIGION

Community Christian Announces Its Lenten Schedule
Youth Day Slated At St. John’s Baptist
‘Building Strong Families’ Theme At First Lutheran
Victory Tabernacle Dedication, Celebration Weekend Slated
Church Briefs

Community Christian Announces Its Lenten Schedule

Community Christian Church announces its schedule for the Lenten season. Every Wednesday from 6 to 6:45 p.m. there will be an informal prayer time in the sanctuary. Handouts will be available with readings, scripture, and prayer suggestions. Soft music will be playing, and worshipers are welcome to come and go as they wish during the prayer time. The Rev. Wayne Majors will be available for personal prayer and counsel.

Sunday morning worship service is at 10:30 a.m. and will include special music each morning of the season. This Sunday the Handbell Choir will perform, the Children’s Choir will perform March 18, and Krista Hembree and Dawn Jackson will perform “Jesus Never Fail” on March 25.

Palm Sunday is April 8, and morning worship will include a processional of children with palm branches. Communion will be served at the Maundy Thursday service April 12 at 7 p.m.

Easter Sunday service, April 15, will be at 10:30 a.m. and will feature a collection of musical offerings by the Chancel Choir.

The members of the church invite anyone in the community to join them at any of these services.

Youth Day Slated At St. John’s Baptist

The youth department of St. John Baptist Church will host its annual Youth Day this Sunday. Children in grades kindergarten through fifth grade will give the opening praise and will sing for the morning service that begins at 10:45 a.m.

The Rev. Raymond J. Petties Jr., pastor, will deliver the morning message from the Youth Day theme, “Teach, and I Will Learn.” The scripture text chosen for the day are from Psalms 34:1-11 and Proverbs 22:6.

Youth in grades sixth through twelfth will host the afternoon program beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Bringing the message that afternoon will be the Rev. Raymond Darnell Tucker of the Union Baptist Church in Grayson. Tucker is a graduate of Morris High School in Morris. After graduation, Tucker joined the U.S. Navy and lived in California for several years. He is married and has three children. An ordained minister, Tucker answered his calling to the ministry in 1997 and has since that time served as associate minister at Union Baptist Church. Tucker is very active with the youth of his church and serves as the head of their youth department.

Concerned with being able to meet the needs of the people today, Tucker has attended and completed many classes in leadership and is currently working on a bachelor’s degree in theology from Oklahoma Baptist University on the Tulsa campus. He serves the community in an evangelistic capacity.

Petties, the Rev. Davis, associate minister, and the St. John youth department invites all to join them in this day of praise and service to God.

‘Building Strong Families’ Theme At First Lutheran

“Promises Kept” will be the Rev. Tom Ramsey’s sermon title for Sunday at First Lutheran Church at both the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services. The sermon will center on faithfulness, the worship theme for the month of March. The Senior Choir will sing the anthem “Only Trust Him” at the 8:30 a.m. service, while the Christ’s Kids Choir will sing “Hymn of Promise” for the 11 a.m. service.

A new series, “Building Strong Families,” was begun last Sunday at the 6:30 p.m. evening service. This study, which is for all no matter where they may be in building a family, will continue this Sunday evening.

The theme for the mid-week Lenten service on Wednesday will be “The Prophets Cry Out: God Speaks.” The service begins at 7 p.m. The Sunday school children will serve as the choir. Once again a soup supper will be served in the fellowship hall beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The junior youth meet on Sunday afternoon at 3:30 p.m., and the senior youth group meets on Sunday evening at 7:15 p.m. Both groups meet in the youth center. For further information, call the church office at 762-1111.

Victory Tabernacle Dedication, Celebration Weekend Slated

Victory Tabernacle, located at 705 E. Hubbard Road, will host a special Dedication and Celebration Weekend this Saturday and Sunday.

The congregation will dedicate its new facilities Saturday at 6:00 p.m. with a reception following in the fellowship hall. The Rev. R.D. Whalen, district superintendent of the Oklahoma United Pentecostal Church, is the dedication speaker and will also officiate the dedication.

Celebration services will be held Sunday at both the 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. services. Whalen will be the guest speaker at these services also. The public is invited to attend both the dedication service and reception and the celebration services as the church celebrates this monumental event.

Victory Tabernacle, formerly First United Pentecostal Church, 1921 E. Hartford, relocated its church facilities in November due to rapid growth and outgrowing their former facilities. The Rev. Rick Hughes comments that “we are very excited about our new location, as it is over three times larger and much newer than our former facilities. Our new location allows us plenty of room for future expansion. Our new location has been remodeled to accommodate a new sanctuary, kitchen and fellowship hall.”

Along with the move, the church changed its name to Victory Tabernacle. Hughes says, “the new name better reflects who we are: We serve a God of victory, we are a people of victory, and people can come and experience victory in their life. Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Cor. 15:57) The new church motto is ‘Victory Tabernacle: Where Jesus is giving victory in living!’”

Victory Tabernacle is a United Pentecostal Church with regular services as follows. Sunday morning worship 10 a.m., Sunday evening worship at 6 p.m., and Wednesday Christian education at 7 p.m. The church offers a variety of ministries to benefit every member of the family.

The growing congregation of Victory Tabernacle extends an invitation to the community to join it in its celebration of their new facilities and location. For more information, contact Hughes at 765-3872 or 767-1482.

Church Briefs

Hartford Avenue

Church of Christ

Members of the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, 1905 Joe Street, invite the public to share God’s Word each week. Sunday Bible classes are at 9:30 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday evening worship is at 6 o’clock and Wednesday worship is at 7 p.m. There are classes for all ages. Watch the Search program Sunday at 8 a.m. on Channels 5 or 8; this week’s topic is What Is a Miracle. Bible thought for the week from is from Psalms 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

International Gospel Hour

The Newkirk Church of Christ is sponsoring the International Gospel Hour each Sunday that can be heard on KSOK 95.9 FM at 8:30 a.m. Winford Claiborne will speak on the topic “The Wages of Unrighteousness.” and the program is heard each week on many stations across the U.S.A.

The church also helps in the support of the television program “In Search of the Lord’s Way.” This Sunday, Mack Lyon will speak on the topic “What Is a Miracle?” The program can be viewed from Wichita as well as Oklahoma City stations.

New Mount Olive Baptist

New Mount Olive Baptist Church, 520 North Pine in Newkirk, will sponsor a fellowship service Sunday at 11 a.m. Sunday school will begin at 10 a.m., and the worship service at 11:15 a.m. The Rev. Floyd Coburn of New Mount Olive will speak. The public is invited to join the congregation Sunday.

Gospel Outreach Center

The Gospel Outreach Church invites all to join in their second service this Sunday. It is a new full-gospel church located at 104 W. Grand in Tonkawa. The Revs. Jimmy and Rhonda Crooms lead the service.

EDUCATION

Friends of Education Discuss GE Needs
Enrollment Offered in April For Four-Year-Old Classes
New Alumni Site Launched For Senior High Graduates
Tonkawa Resident Making Most Of His Opportunity at Pioneer Tech
Spring Break
Director’s Corner

Friends of Education Discuss GE Needs

Members of the Ponca City Friends of Education met Feb. 21 at the Administration Offices, 111 West Grand, to discuss the Great Expectations program.

Members and guests present were Barry Bickle, Mark Detten, Patty Ladd, Charles Casey, Jack Branstetter, Marilyn Andrews, Dr. John Scroggins, Linda Powers, Carl Renfro, Tom Muchmore and Monya Myers.

Dr. Scroggins discussed applications for scholarships for the Great Expectations program. The board agreed to support all teachers interested in attending the program. The Staff Development will pay a specified amount and Friends of Education will pay the balance.

A Steering Committee was appointed by the school system to handle the GE Celebration. Five people from the school system volunteered to serve on the committee and a request was made for three volunteers from the board. Charles Casey, Marilyn Andrews and Monya Myers agreed to represent the board on the committee.

A request was received from the Arts and Humanities Council to help fund the Artrain USA exhibit. Funding was discussed but because of other pressing obligations the board was unable to support the financial funding.

A letter of resignation was received by Bill Bridwell. Barry Bickle agreed to seek a replacement for his opening on the board.

A request was also made by Nancy Niemann and Linda Powers for $1,000 each to attend the Educator’s Leadership Academy. The district will pay an additional $200 per person. The motion was passed.

Jack Branstetter gave an update on the fundraising campaign and requested that the group extend the target date until the March meeting. Some board members reported that some contributors wanted to pay their donations from an invoice. Mark Detten agreed to send invoices to those contributors wanting them.

Charles Casey shared a newspaper article from the Daily Oklahoman about the GE program. Copies were passed out and the board was encouraged to include the article in their fundraising letter.

Renfro discussed a program for eighth through 10th grade students. Oklahoma Learning Access Program (OHLAP) offers money to students for college education. Certain requirements must be met, but the main concern is getting the information out to students that qualify. Suggestions were made to have an awards program for the Plan and Explore Test and distribute the information on the scholarships at that time.

The Treasurer’s Report was distributed. The Principal Academy sponsorship was for two people, instead of three, and resulted in a difference of $300. A new check was written.

The Pioneer Bank and Trust CD was valued at $34,768.18. Combined balance at both banks totals $79,759.92.

Enrollment Offered in April For Four-Year-Old Classes

The Ponca City Public Schools will be offering prekindergarten classes for the 2001-2002 school year. Pre-enrollment for the program will be held at each of the elementary sites on Tuesday, April 24 and Wednesday, April 25 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Students who reside in the Ponca City attendance zone and who will be four years old on or before Sept. . 1, 2001, are eligible to attend the program at no cost to the family.

Parents or guardians need to have proof of residence, the child’s birth certificate, and the child’s social security number at the time of enrollment. Letters will be mailed to families in July informing them of the child’s school assignment for the prekindergarten program.

Full-day or half-day programs will be offered at various elementary sites. Full-day programs for prekindergarten will run from the start of school each morning until 2:30 p.m. Half-day sessions will be offered from 8 to 11 a.m. or from 12:10 to 3:10 p.m. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent.

The prekindergarten curriculum provides experiences to improve the language and literacy skills of each student. Each classroom is set up to allow for different developmental levels and individual differences. The schedule includes a balance of active and quiet learning activities, large and small group activities and indoor and outdoor play. There is a balance of teacher-directed and child-initiated activities throughout each day.

For additional information about prekindergarten programming, contact Dr. Patty Ladd, director of elementary curriculum, at 767-8000, ext. 238.

New Alumni Site Launched For Senior High Graduates

A new alumni site for graduates of Ponca City Senior High School has been launched by poncacity.net and The Ponca City News at www.pohialumni.net. It is a free service dedicated to bringing the alumni of the high school together and reuniting old friends.

To look for a classmate or to enter your information, go to www.pohialumni.net and register. You can add or delete information at any time, put in as little or as much information about yourself as you desire. The News will not sell or otherwise use any individual information posted on the site.

The site is not affiliated with the Ponca City School System or the Po-Hi Alumni Club, although both have been very helpful in developing the site, according to Muchmore. Any questions or comments may be sent by e-mail to webmaster@pohialumni.net.

Tonkawa Resident Making Most Of His Opportunity at Pioneer Tech

Taking advantage of an opportunity is how Don Gonzalez, Tonkawa, is learning to become a mechanic at Pioneer Technology Center's Automotive Technology program.

The Higher Adult Education program at the Tonkawa Tribal Housing Authority is giving Gonzalez the opportunity to upgrade and enhance his skills by going back to school part-time. Gonzalez currently works as a Maintenance Foreman and believes the Automotive Technology program will provide him with the type of training and experience he needs.

“When my employer told me that I had the opportunity to go back to school, I knew this program could help me in my current job,” said Gonzalez. “Although I do some maintenance and repair work on small engines at the Housing Authority, I wanted to learn more!”

Gonzalez joined the Automotive Technology program a little late in the year and was worried at first about being behind in the program, but it didn't take him long to catch up!

“It is easy when you have a passion for something; and this is my passion,” said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez also likes working with the high school students that are enrolled in the Automotive Technology program. Although other adults are in the program, Gonzalez admits that working with the younger students takes him back to when he was that age. “It is fun being around them! There are some very sharp high school students with a lot of automotive experience in this program. I have learned a lot just from working with them.”

“Don is an exceptional person,” said Preston Jenkins, Automotive instructor. “Although he entered the program a little late, he worked very hard to learn the material and the equipment. I really enjoy having him in the program. It is great to see a person with so much ambition and passion!”

By being in the program this year, Don, along with the rest of the automotive students, are getting experience and training with one of the latest pieces of technology. The Chassis Dyno, purchased last July, is giving students the experience they need to diagnose drive-ability problems for automotive repair. The dyno equipment is being used by area dealerships and will allow students the opportunity to work with simulations in manual transmissions, electricity and electronics, computer systems, brake systems, engine performance, and steering and suspension. A true benefit of the dyno also allows the instructor the flexibility to provide more of an individualized instruction while remaining in the classroom and shop with the entire class.

“The Dyno is really state of the art,” said Don. “In the past, you tuned cars a lot differently! This type of technology allows you to simulate actual driving conditions. It has been really great having access to this type of equipment.”

The Automotive Technology program is a two-year program that offers preparation in engine repair, automatic and manual drive train, computer diagnosis, brake system repair, heating and air conditioning service, and suspension and steering systems. Students in the program train for a variety of career opportunities in automotive dealerships, tire and alignments shops, general mechanic shops, muffler and brake shops, and tools and equipment sales.

Don Gonzalez plans to complete the first year of this program in May. He will continue working for the Tribal Housing Authority. Don stated that the experience and training he is receiving through the Automotive Technology program has not only helped him in his job, but has given him the opportunity to learn more about something he just loves to do.

Spring Break

Ponca City Public School students will be out of school March 19-23 for Spring Break. Classes will resume March 26.

Director’s Corner

by Brenda Stacy, Director

University Learning Center of Northern Oklahoma

Dream a Little Dream

The gentle breeze of a cool May evening blows against the sea of black nylon robes neatly ordered in straight rows of dignified individuals — soon to be “graduates.” I feel the golden tassel tickle my eyelashes and the funny-shaped graduation cap sits a bit ajar as the Oklahoma wind tugs on it; even though, it is pushed securely to my head.

Suddenly, I realize that the speaker has finished. We are given the signal to rise. The majestic “Pomp and Circumstance” begins to play and the first row is led to the stage.

One-by-one, the names of my fellow classmates are called. Finally, my name is next. I feel a jolt in my stomach, little beads of sweat moisten my forehead, my knees are a little weak. I step onto the platform. My name is announced and I feel the warm steady handshake of the staunchly robed pillar of higher education, decked out in full college regalia. I am handed the rolled parchment that represents the diploma awarding my degree and I vaguely hear the congratulations for my achievement.

The thrill in my heart is overwhelming as I see my friends and family stand in honor of this great accomplishment. I raise my arms, diploma in hand, for the world to see that “I did it!”

Dare to Dream

Perhaps you have a dream like the one just shared. Do you have a real desire to complete a college degree? Have you thought about the doors that could be opened and the opportunities that could be available if you accomplished your dream?

What’s Stopping You?

Do you think that going back to school would be too hard for you to do because you work full-time and have a family? Do you think that it would cost too much? Do you worry that you may not remember how to learn? Are you unsure if you could learn to use a computer? Do you think that you don’t have time to be away from your work to drive to a campus to attend class? Can you only attend class at night or weekends?

There’s No Time

Like the Present

The University Learning Center of Northern Oklahoma can help you get started. You are not alone if you have let some of the concerns listed above, keep you from taking that first step toward achieving your higher education dreams.

At the University Learning Center (ULC), we cater to adult students. We try to make the process of going back to school as easy as possible. We will:

— Visit with you about what degree you might want to pursue.

— Get you connected with an advisor from the higher education institution that delivers the degree program of interest.

— Help you make application to the institution as well as to help you enroll.

We will even help you get your transcripts and connect you with financial aid officers.

After you enroll, we can assist you in getting your textbooks without having to go to the campus.

The ULC offers 23 degree programs. Most classes are delivered through Interactive Television broadcasts of the live instructor teaching. Some classes are taught onsite by faculty from other institutions and other classes are delivered through Internet or Independent Study. Some programs are accelerated or fast track programs. Also, many classes are available at night or on weekends.

So, start now! The University Learning Center of Northern Oklahoma can help you prepare for the future. For more information, give us a call at 762-2856. We are located in the North Tower of the Conoco Complex. Enter Gate F from South Avenue in Ponca City.

LIFESTYLES

International Club Meets
Awards Being Presented to Xi Delta Members
Little News

International Club Meets

Nadia Salama hosted the January meeting of the International Club in her home, assisted by co-hostesses Chayo Cobb, Cathy He Xiaomei and Teresa Panza-Mohedas. Minda Miller from the Philippines and Monica Dombalis from Columbia were guests.

Patricia Salyer, a volunteer with the AmeriCorps, described the “Gear Up” program which helps high school students prepare for college. Juliana Faulk used member Anna Razowski as a model in her demonstration of applying makeup and program “A New Year, A New You.”

Master Gardener, Helen Widner, presented the program “Getting Your Garden Ready For Spring” at the February meeting held in the home of Allison Graham with co-hostesses Juliana Faulk and Anna Razowski. She told the group about the Herb Festival scheduled for June, “Mr. Worm Man,” the importance of testing the soil, and things to do now and in the fall to get gardens ready. Information sheets were distributed and many questions from the group were answered.

The December meeting of International Club was held in the home of Maxine Manering with co-hostesses, Bette Lee, Margareta Rains and Marina Mayer. The annual silent auction was held and members exchanged stories of Christmas traditions and experiences from various countries. Each member was given an ornament to remember International Club 2000.

The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. March 28 in the home of Nancy Durrani. The club includes members from many countries, and an invitation is extended to all international residents and interested Americans to contact Teresa Panza-Mohedas, 718-9892, for more information about membership.

Awards Being Presented to Xi Delta Members

Sue May was the hostess when Xi Delta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Feb. 26 with seven members present. The Exemplar degree was presented to Susan Henshaw.

Dorothy Leonard, president, called the meeting to order, and Pat Schissler, recording secretary, read the minutes. Patsy Hastings, treasurer, gave the financial report, and a thank you note from International was read thanking the group for he donation to the Breast Cancer Research Fund.

Lynda Smith gave a program about the Standing Bear Labyrinth Project. The traveling basket was won by Sue Fleck, and refreshments were served by Sue May and Pat Schissler.

The March 12 meeting will be in the home of Lisa Mena. Pat Schissler and Dorothy Leonard will receive the Silver circle Award at that time.

Little News

Maggie Elaine Brown

Barry and Jill Brown of Norman announce the birth of their first child, a daughter, Maggie Elaine, at 4:58 p.m. March 1, 2001, in the Norman Municipal Hospital. She weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces, and measured 18 1/2 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Ed and Lin Copelin of Norman. Great-grandparents are Vivian Anderson of Medford, the late Fred Anderson, and the late M.E. and Audrey Copelin.

Paternal grandparents are Ruth Brown and Charles Brown of Norman. Great-grandparents are Melvin and Naomi Kahle of Ponca City, Inola Brown of Madill, and the late Harold Brown.

Luis Vicente Kruger III

Announcing the birth of their second child are Luis and Christy (Clarida) Kruger of Ponca City. Luis Vicente Kruger III was born Feb. 24, 2001, in the Stillwater Medical Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces, and measured 21 inches long. He has a sister, Faith Diane, 2. Grandparents are Dannie and Diane Clarida of Ponca City.

SPORTS

Pioneers Edge Out Cats in Nine
Mavericks Season Ends

Pioneers Edge Out Cats in Nine

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

Ponca City and Stillwater are at it again.

Those two high school teams have had some memorable confrontations this season.

It continued Thursday at the Po-Hi diamond as the Pioneers scraped past the Wildcats 6-5 in nine innings.

“It was a great game from the fans’ standpoint.” Ponca City coach Justin Timmerman said afterwards. “I was especially proud of our kids.”

The see-saw battle went into extra innings and came to an end only when a costly error in the top of the ninth allowed the Pioneers to score the winning run.

With two out in the ninth, Stillwater’s J.D. Prater singled to left. The next Pioneer batter, Aaron Wicks lifted a dying quail into left. Ponca City outfielder Wes Day, who started on the mound, tried for a shoestring catch and missed. The ball rolled behind him as Prater scored.

The Wildcats had a chance to tie the game — again — in the bottom of the ninth.

Bryan Coppock led off with a single down the right field line, When Stillwater relief pitcher Ryan Williams tied for a pickoff, the ball sailed into right field and Coppock sailed into third base.

The tying run was a third with no outs.

But the Wildcats couldn’t come back that one more time as Williams stuck out the next batter and then got two pop-ups to end the game.

The loss, which broke a three-game win streak by the Poncans, left the Wildcats 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the Frontier Conference. Unfortunately, the late error may be remembers longer than the numerous outstanding defensive plays by the Wildcats or Day’s pitching dual with Stillwater ace Jarred McAliff.

“The kids played hard and the score shows we can play with the best teams in the state,” Timmerman said. “Stillwater is ranked fifth or sixth and we beat another top 10 team (Sand Springs) earlier.

“I feel this team can live up to the goals they’ve set.”

The Pioneers outhit the Wildcats, 9-6. but also out-errored the Cats 6-3.

That allowed the Cats to scratch and claw they way through the game.

For example, leadoff batter, J. Michael Sharon did not have a hit, but scored three runs.

After spotting the Pioneers a 2-0 lead in the top of the first, Sharon started the Poncans on the way back in the bottom half of the inning. He drew a walk, stole second, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on Coppock’s groundout.

The Wildcats tied the score in the third. Aaron Upshaw led off and was hit by McAliff. Upshaw was forced at second by Sharon and the first Stillwater pickoff attempt to go astray sent Sharon to third.

He scored when Doug Tosh’s rounder was misplayed at short.

Stillwater went back in front, 3-2, in the fifth when Josh Fields doubled home Shawn Cawood.

But the Poncans tied the score in the bottom of the fifth. Sharon was hit by a pitch, went to third on Tosh’s single to right and scored on Coppock’s flyout to center.

The see-saw continued in the sixth as Stillwater scored on a walk, sacrifice and a Ponca City error.

But the Poncans scored twice in the home half of the sixth for their first lead of the game. Ponca City loaded the bases on two Stillwater errors and a hit batsman.

With one out, Tosh singled to right, scoring Bradley Turvey and Day.

But Stillwater wasn’t going to let it go. A double by Fields and two scratch singles by Brandon Birdwell and Kelly Linville loaded the bases with one out. Prater then drew a walk off Day to force in the tying run.

But the Poncans prevented further damage on a short-to-catcher-to-first double play.

The Wildcats travel to Owasso Saturday for a doubleheader starting at noon.

Stillwater 6, Ponca City 5

Stillwater 200 011 101 — 6 9 6

Ponca City 101 012 000 — 5 6 3

McAliff, Williams (8) (W) and Prater; Day, Wilks (8) and McCoy, Upshaw (4)

Mavericks Season Ends

By TED ATCHLEY

NOC Sports Information

Shawnee — The final game of the season for the Northern Oklahoma College Maverick basketball team was much like their season. It was an up and down, back and forth game against the Connors State Cowboys that left the Mavericks down by one at the final buzzer, 74-73.

The Mavericks fought back from an early season of give and take. The Mavericks turned around in the second half and finished the season riding a seven-game win streak. NOC entered the Region II Tournament as the fifth seed in the eight-team conference tounament.

However, the momentum of the streak wasn’t enough to carry the Mavericks passed the first round.

Neither team played a good first half. Both teams looked sluggish and tentative as they engaged in a malay of turnovers and juggled rebounds. With the inside offense of Northern virtually clamped shut, coach Mick Weiberg turned to the bench for scoring help.

Freshman Ryan Newby came in late in the second half and went 3-of-3 from 3-point range to boost the Maverick morale and give them their first lead of the game and a 30-29 halftime lead.

“We played our poorest half in the last eight or nine games,” Weiberg said. “There’s no excuse for being flat at this point in the season. Newby came in and gave us some help.”

Freshman starter J.R. Regnier also took up some of the slack, ending with 21 points on the night with three treys of his on. Newby finished with 9.

The second half opened with a Maverick run that put them up by six points, the biggest lead reached by either team during the game. But Connors finally found the bucket in the at 16:44 with a three-point shot and the race was on.

The teams were tied five times in the last six minutes.

Although they had shot free throws fairly well all night, coming away with 21 points from the line, the closing minutes offered its chances, but Northern couldn’t put the game away.

With four seconds on the clock the teams were tied at 73.

“We missed our free throws at the end and that hurt us,” Weiberg said. “We weren’t able to get our job done inside and that cost us.”

The Mavericks were called for a foul in the last seconds that sent Connors to the line.

“We couldn’t catch a break all night,” Weiberg said.

The Cowboys hit one of two, leaving 3.3 seconds on the clock. Weiberg called the timeout and tried to put together a last ditch effort to get one more bucket and the win.

The Mavericks inbounded the ball and it found its way to sophomore Greg Wilson who drove close to the three-point line but was forced to put up an off-balance buzzer shot that caught the rim, bounced up, and slid off the right side.

“We couldn’t get it done inside,” Weiberg said.

Sophomore posts Richie Myers and Scott Prater each finished with 15. Myers had been averaging over 20 for most of the season and Prater hadn’t been far behind.

The Mavericks finish the season with an 18-13 overall record. Wilson ended the game with 2 points. Merrill Andrews had 6, Sophomore Akil Gay 3 and C.J. Johnson 2.

The Lady Mavericks are in first round action today at 3 p.m. in Shawnee. The Northern women are facing Westark. If the women win they will play Saturday at 1 p.m. for a chance to play in the championship game scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday at the OBU Noble Complex.